How to Build a Mondrian Art Piece with HEXEL

By Plus-Plus USA | Plus-Plus Blocks - Empowering Open Ended | Published: 2026-10-22

Category: How-to Guides

Learn to build a Mondrian-inspired geometric art piece using HEXEL fidget tiles. Step-by-step guide with tips for balance, color, and clean lines.

Quick Answer

To build a Mondrian art piece with HEXEL, start with a flat base, plan your grid, and place colored tiles in balanced blocks separated by black lines. Use the HEXEL Mondrian Composition A set as a ready guide, or create your own layout.

Why HEXEL Works for Mondrian Art

HEXEL tiles are small, interlocking plastic pieces with a satisfying fidget feel. Their uniform shape makes them ideal for geometric patterns, and the bold palette in the Mondrian set—red, yellow, blue, black, gray, and white—matches the artist's signature style.

Unlike freeform blocks, HEXEL tiles snap together on a flat plane, so you can build a precise grid without worrying about pieces sliding out of place. This makes them perfect for creating wall art or a tabletop display.

Trade-Off: Grid vs. Freeform

A strict grid produces a clean Mondrian look, but it can feel rigid. For a more dynamic piece, allow some tiles to extend beyond the grid or vary the block sizes. Just remember to keep black lines as borders to preserve the classic style.

If you're new to HEXEL, start with the provided composition in the Mondrian set. Once you're comfortable, experiment with your own arrangements.

Step-by-Step Build Process

Prepare Your Workspace: Clear a flat surface and sort your HEXEL tiles by color. This makes it easier to grab the right shade as you build. Check that all tiles are facing the same direction for a uniform look. Sorting by color saves time and prevents mid-build confusion.
Plan Your Grid Layout: Decide on the size of your art piece (e.g., 10x10 tiles). Sketch a simple grid on paper, marking where you want red, yellow, blue, and white blocks. Use black tiles to separate these blocks, just like Mondrian's lines. A quick sketch helps you visualize balance before you start placing tiles.
Build the Base Layer: Start with a single row of tiles along the bottom edge. Snap them together firmly, ensuring the connections are secure. This row will anchor the rest of your build. A secure base prevents the whole piece from falling apart later.
Add Colored Blocks: Following your grid plan, fill in each colored block. Press tiles together with even pressure to avoid gaps. Keep block sizes varied—some large, some small—to mimic Mondrian's dynamic balance. Varied block sizes create visual interest; uniform sizes can look flat.
Incorporate Black Lines: Use black tiles to create the grid lines between colored blocks. These lines should be continuous and straight. If you need to adjust, gently pry up a tile with a flat tool and reposition. Black lines are the backbone of the Mondrian style—keep them clean.
Finish and Display: Once all tiles are placed, inspect the piece for any loose connections or misaligned lines. Press down on the entire surface to ensure everything is snug. Display your art on a stand or frame it behind glass. A final press ensures durability; framing protects your work from dust.

HEXEL Mondrian Set Details

HEXEL® - Mondrian - Composition A: Inspired by Piet Mondrian's iconic Composition A, this set transforms the painting into a hands-on creative experience with bold red, yellow, blue, black, gray, and white tiles. The included color palette and layout give you a proven starting point, so you can focus on technique before designing your own variations.
HEXEL® - Mondrian - Composition A